Famous people and celebrities born on January 26

Welcome to our celebration of remarkable individuals born on January 26! On this day, we recognize the birth of various influential celebrities who have left their mark on the world. From acclaimed actors and musicians to groundbreaking athletes and leaders, explore the lives and achievements of those who share this special birthday. Join us in honoring these stars and discovering the impact they've made across diverse fields.

• 1880 Douglas MacArthur

  American general who played a major role in the Pacific campaign of World War II and the Korean War.

• 1917 Louis Zamperini

  Louis Zamperini was an extraordinary American athlete and World War II hero, known for his incredible survival story as a prisoner of war and his remarkable resilience. His life was immortalized in the bestselling book 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand and later adapted into a film directed by Angelina Jolie.

• 1918 Nicolae Ceaușescu

  Nicolae Ceaușescu was a controversial communist leader who ruled Romania with an iron fist from 1965 to 1989. He was ultimately overthrown and executed during the Romanian Revolution, marking the end of his oppressive regime.

• 1919 Valentino Mazzola

  Legendary Italian soccer player from the Grande Torino team, known for his exceptional skills and tragic death in the Superga air disaster. Father of another famous footballer, Sandro Mazzola.

• 1920 Derek Bond

  British actor and author who was active on the London stage and in films from 1936 to 1946. He served in the British Grenadier Guards during World War II and was awarded the Military Cross. Bond later became president of British Actors' Equity from 1984 to 1986.

• 1923 Anne Jeffreys

  American actress known for her roles in 'Dick Tracy', 'Topper', and 'General Hospital', who had a notable career in television and film during the mid-20th century.

• 1925 Joan Leslie

  Prominent Hollywood actress of the 1940s and 1950s, known for her roles in classic films and her versatility as a performer.

• 1925 Paul Newman

  Legendary Hollywood actor, philanthropist, and director who became an iconic figure in American cinema, known for his charismatic performances and humanitarian work.

• 1928 Roger Vadim

  Renowned French film director, writer, and producer who significantly influenced French cinema. He was known for discovering and directing beautiful actresses in groundbreaking films. His career spanned multiple creative disciplines including film, television, and theater.

• 1928 Eartha Kitt

  Iconic African American singer, actress, and activist who overcame extreme childhood poverty to become a global entertainment legend. She was known for her distinctive voice, provocative performances, and civil rights advocacy. Her remarkable life story spans entertainment, music, and social justice.

• 1931 Mary Murphy

  American actress known for her roles in films like 'A Man Alone' and television series 'Maggie-Investigators', active in the mid-20th century entertainment industry.

• 1936 Théo Sarapo

  French actor-singer of Greek origin, best known as the second husband of legendary French singer Édith Piaf. He married Piaf when he was 26 and she was 46, with his stage name 'Sarapo' meaning 'I love you' in Greek.

• 1941 Scott Glenn

  Scott Glenn is a renowned American actor with a distinguished career spanning several decades, known for memorable roles in critically acclaimed films like 'The Silence of the Lambs', 'The Hunt for Red October', and 'The Bourne Ultimatum'.

• 1942 Soad Hosny

  Iconic Egyptian actress and singer known for her significant contributions to Arabic cinema during the 1960s and 1970s, often referred to as the 'Cinderella of Arabic Cinema'.

• 1944 Angela Davis

  Prominent American political activist, philosopher, and academic known for her work in civil rights, feminism, and prison abolition. She was a leading member of the Communist Party USA and a significant figure in the Black Power movement during the 1960s and 1970s.

• 1946 Gene Siskel

  Renowned film critic who co-hosted the popular show 'Siskel & Ebert', revolutionizing movie criticism on television.

• 1947 Patrick Dewaere

  Prominent French actor of the 1970s who became famous for his roles in groundbreaking films like 'Going Places' alongside Gerard Depardieu. He was a talented performer who started in improvisational theater and quickly rose to prominence in French cinema.

• 1949 David Strathairn

  David Strathairn is an acclaimed American actor known for his collaborations with director John Sayles in independent films. He began his career in unique ways, including a brief stint in the circus before establishing himself as a respected film actor.

• 1955 Eddie Van Halen

  Eddie Van Halen was a legendary Dutch-American guitarist and co-founder of the iconic rock band Van Halen, revolutionizing rock guitar playing with his innovative techniques and electrifying performances. Together with his brother Alex, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony, he transformed the rock music landscape in the late 1970s and 1980s. He is widely considered one of the most influential …

• 1958 Ellen DeGeneres

  Ellen DeGeneres is a renowned comedian, television host, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate who hosted the immensely popular 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' for 19 seasons. She is also known for her groundbreaking coming out on her sitcom in 1997, which was a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ representation in media.

• 1958 Anita Baker

  Anita Baker is a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer known for her smooth, soulful voice and hit songs like 'Sweet Love' and 'Giving You the Best That I Got'. She is considered one of the most influential R&B artists of the 1980s and early 1990s.

• 1961 Wayne Gretzky

  Canadian-American hockey legend known as 'The Great One', who revolutionized professional hockey with his exceptional skills and played for multiple NHL teams between 1979 and 1999.

• 1963 José Mourinho

  José Mourinho is a world-renowned Portuguese football manager, known for his successful coaching career at Chelsea, Porto, and other top European clubs. He is widely considered one of the most successful and charismatic football managers of his generation, winning multiple championships in different leagues.

• 1964 Paul Johansson

  American actor known for his roles in television series like One Tree Hill, where he played Dan Scott and also directed several episodes.

• 1973 Melvil Poupaud

  Versatile French artist known for his multifaceted career in film as an actor, screenwriter, cinematographer, and musician who has released a solo album.

• 1974 Rokia Traoré

  Renowned Malian singer-songwriter who blends traditional African music with contemporary global styles, critically acclaimed for her innovative musical approach and cultural representation.

• 1976 Gilles Marini

  Gilles Marini is a prominent French-American actor known for his notable roles in television series like 'Brothers & Sisters' and 'Switched at Birth', with a career spanning both American and European productions.

• 1977 Vince Carter

  Vince Carter is a legendary NBA player known for his extraordinary dunking ability, nicknamed 'Half-Man, Half-Amazing', who played for multiple teams during his 22-year professional basketball career.

• 1979 Sara Rue

  Sara Rue is an American actress known for her roles in television comedies like 'Less Than Perfect' and 'Rules of Engagement', and has appeared in numerous films and TV shows.

• 1992 Sasha Banks

  Sasha Banks is a professional wrestler and actress, best known for her groundbreaking performances in WWE and her role in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian. She has been a trailblazer in women's wrestling, helping to elevate the status of female performers in the industry.